Issue 10 I December 2025
Welcome to Engage
As we come to the end of the year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been a fantastic period of growth, collaboration and achievement across the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group. Our work with employers has never been stronger, and the impact on our students has been clear - they have taken part in hands on learning, site visits, factory tours, Q&A sessions with industry leaders and even interactions with Members of Parliament in our local districts. Every one of these opportunities helps them build the realworld skills and confidence they need to take their next steps.
A huge part of this success comes from the programmes we have co-developed with employers and local partners. By shaping our curriculum together, we are meeting the skills needs of the region and preparing young people for the roles and industries that matter most to our communities. This joint approach continues to strengthen the talent pipeline for businesses across Yorkshire.
It has also been encouraging to see our employer engagement work recognised more widely. Throughout the year we have been shortlisted for several awards, including the Educate North Awards, the Yorkshire Post Business Awards, MY Awards, regional Apprenticeship Awards and more - reflecting the commitment and innovation shown by our staff and partners. These nominations highlight the strength of the partnerships we have built and the shared commitment to giving young people the best possible start.
We have also taken time to celebrate T Levels Week this term and the outstanding support from our industry placement providers, which is the perfect example of how education and industry can work side-by-side to deliver meaningful experiences and real impact.
Thank you to every employer who has opened their doors, shared their knowledge or worked with us to create better opportunities for learners. Together, we are shaping the future workforce and strengthening our region.
I hope you enjoy reading more about what’s been happening across the Group in this newsletter.
Thank you for your continued support – I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Best wishes
Principal and CEO, Heart of Yorkshire Education Group
Why Social Value Matters for Employers and How We Help You Achieve It
By Debbie Lee, Employer Engagement Manager at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group
Social value is no longer a nice extra. It is fast becoming a core expectation for businesses of every size. Whether you are bidding for contracts, strengthening your brand or building a future workforce, the way you contribute to your community is now part of how your organisation is judged.
At the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, we work with employers who understand that social value is not just a requirement - it’s an opportunity. When invested in well, it improves recruitment, boosts retention, drives innovation and builds trust with customers, partners and the wider community.
Strengthening the Future Workforce
Employers tell us that skills gaps are one of their biggest challenges. By engaging with us, you shape the training that local people receive. Supporting curriculum design is a simple step that brings clear returns. You gain early access to enthusiastic learners, influence what they learn and help shape the skills landscape of your sector.
Creating Pathways into Work
Our Skills Bootcamps give employers a practical route to supporting social value goals. These short, targeted programmes help unemployed adults gain real skills and move quickly into work. For employers, they provide motivated candidates who are trained for their specific needs, supported by employer led interviews and progression routes.
For instance, we have worked closely with employers such as Drax to co-develop Skills Bootcamps which are shaped around the skills gaps they told us about, the roles
they struggle to recruit for and the specialist knowledge their teams needed to stay competitive – such as Carbon Capture and Heat Recovery. By building these programmes together, we make sure learners gained practical, job ready skills and employers gained access to people who are trained for their specific business needs.
This is exactly what we have seen through our Skills Bootcamp in Health and Social Care, which has been co-developed with a range of local authorities and health care providers in the Wakefield District. After completing the programme, learners have now been taken on into roles at Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, South West Yorkshire Partnership Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, Sherwood Court Peripatetic Service and Hazel Garth Care Home.
Growing Talent from Within
High quality routes into an Apprenticeship, Access to Higher Education or Higher Education courses also help employers build the skills of their existing staff. This supports career progression, reduces turnover and grows specialist capability without relying on external recruitment. It also gives employees a sense of loyalty and value that reinforces your culture. Flexible, part-time options also allow staff to study around work, reducing pressure on your organisation whilst boosting long term capability.
Building a Confident and Capable Workforce
Through business and professional courses, digital skills training and essential English, Maths and ESOL provision, employers can also support staff to grow in ways that improve performance and wellbeing – lifting their
confidence, productivity and job satisfaction. By investing in these areas, employers send a strong message about what they stand for. They show they support their people at every stage of their development.
Good for Business
Social value does not always require major investment. Often it is the simple, practical opportunities that make the biggest difference. Offering a work placement, hosting a site visit, giving a guest talk or supporting students with mock interviews are all powerful ways employers can contribute. These activities help young people understand the world of work, build confidence and gain insight into real careers. For employers, they create visibility, strengthen community links and open the door to future talent who already understand your business and its expectations.
Fulfilling your social value expectations can also help you win contracts – as these are qualities that attract partners, customers and future employees.
At the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, we help businesses turn their social value aims into real world outcomes that benefit both people and organisations.
If you want to strengthen your social value commitments and build a stronger future workforce, our Employer Engagement Team is ready to support you. Please contact employerengagement@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk
Get Involved in Give Construction a Try 2026
Taking part in Give Construction a Try 2026 is a simple, high impact way to grow your social value and inspire the next generation of construction talent. By delivering a workshop or demonstration, your organisation helps young people gain hands on experience, build confidence and discover real career pathways in the industry.
Help Us Become Your Provider of Choice
As we continue to strengthen our offer for businesses across the region, we are inviting employers to share their views through a short, twominute survey. Your feedback will play a key role in our process to become a recognised provider of choice for workforce development, training and skills support. Thank you in advance for your support - your feedback makes a genuine difference.
Each year, hundreds of pupils from across the district try their skills in bricklaying, joinery, digital construction, technical roles and emerging green build careers. When employers get involved, they spark interest, break down barriers and give students a clear sense of what construction careers look like in practice.
Employers who took part in Give Construction a Try 2025 helped generate more than £60,000 in social value, demonstrating the real impact that industry support can have on young people and the wider community.
How This Supports Your Social Value Goals
+ You engage directly with future apprentices and potential employees
+ You promote your business within the local community
+ You strengthen the construction skills pipeline
+ You help inspire a more diverse, sustainability minded future workforce
Offering a session is a practical, meaningful way to show your commitment to the region and to the longterm growth of the construction sector. Your expertise brings the industry to life for young people who may never have considered it before.
To deliver a session or find out more, please contact employerengagement@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk
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Our Latest Employer Engagement Activities
Selby Students Showcase Work to Local MP
Selby Member of Parliament, Keir Mather, recently visited Selby College for a Q&A session with Level 3 Business and Level 3 Travel & Tourism students. Keir discussed young people in politics, career prospects and took questions from students on current affairs.
Our Engineering students also visited National Grid’s new Visitor Hub at Wren Hall Converter Station alongside Keir, where they got to learn about the world of electricity and energy.
Keir also joined us at Selby Railway Station to help launch our Art & Design students’ new installation, created through a project that explored the station’s past, present and future. The students researched the history of the railway in Selby, heard from Stephen Hall of the Selby Commuters Group, and turned their ideas into hand-painted panels that highlight everything from historic moments to the possibilities of green energy.
The students were incredibly proud to share their finished pieces with Keir and celebrate the station’s heritage and its next chapter.
They have also been active in the community through their recent involvement in Up For Yorkshire and Our Zero Selby’s Sustainable Fashion Show at Selby Abbey.
Chillblast Upgrade Digital Industries Studio
This academic year we have seen upgrades to our Digital Industries studio at Wakefield College, creating a 50-seat real-world working environment for students to learn in. Thanks to the generosity of Chillblast, we now have brand new PC’s, all with custom UV printing, adding an eye-watering amount of colour to the room.
The event drew a strong crowd and highlighted sustainable fashion and the value of local charity shops. For this project, students created work using second-hand materials sourced from nearby shops, producing upcycled fashion, sculptures, 3D pieces, and documentary photography for the final exhibition.
Students Step into Industry with Construction Leaders
Construction and Built Environment students from Wakefield College were recently welcomed to Caddick Construction Limited’s work experience week project. Each morning kicked off with inspiring talks from Caddick’s team members across a range of departments, offering students valuable insights into their roles and career paths.
Throughout the week, students worked collaboratively and took on the role of a construction company team, bidding for a tender to design and build a stretch of highway. They presented their tender proposals at the end of the week to a panel of judges, demonstrating a strong
Students Gain Real-World Insight into AI from Industry Expert
Selby College students recently benefited from an engaging talk by Mike Mountain, a leading professional from Dubit Limited, who shared valuable insights into how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the creative and computing industries.
During the session, Mike explored the practical applications of AI in professional workflows, demonstrating how cutting-edge technology is being integrated into both creative design and code-based development. Students gained a real-world perspective on the skills and knowledge they’ll need to thrive in these rapidly evolving sectors.
The talk exemplifies our commitment to connecting students with industry professionals and ensuring our curriculum remains at the forefront of technological innovation. By bringing in experts like Mike Mountain, we’re helping our students understand not just the theory behind their studies, but the practical realities of modern creative and computing careers.
understanding of the brief, with thoughtful consideration of environmental impact and social value.
Selby College’s Level 2 Site Carpentry students also had their first site visit of the academic year courtesy of William Birch & Sons Ltd, who invited them to their Victoria Market Hall site to gain invaluable insight to how a project as big as this comes together.
Sport Students Learn Skills and Leadership Through Martial Arts
Level 3 Sport students also recently took part in an inspiring martial arts session at Kaiju Martial Arts led by former student, Nicola. The students got to take part in a high-energy, interactive kickboxing class, gaining first-hand martial arts training.
Nicola shared her inspiring journey of building and managing a thriving martial arts companyhighlighting the dedication, leadership and business skills required to succeed in the sports industry.
Grow Your Workforce with New Adult Courses for 2026
The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group has launched a brand-new range of adult courses for 2026, giving employers more ways to upskill staff, support progression and strengthen their talent pipeline.
With flexible start dates across the year, adults can build skills around work and family life. The offer includes:
• Skills Bootcamps in Digital Skills, Project Management, Carbon Capture and Storage, Heat Recovery, Health and Social Care, LGV Driving and Warehouse Operations. These fast-paced programmes give adults practical, job ready training for key growth areas.
• Free Courses for Jobs in essential skills like English, Maths and Digital, plus options in Business, Childcare, Health, Social Care and more. These courses help staff grow confidence and capability with minimal cost to employers.
• Short and Fun Courses such as wellbeing, fitness and counselling pathways, helping learners try something new or build confidence before progressing further.
The Group has also expanded its free* Online Learning offer, with flexible courses in Business and Management, Childcare, Early Years, Digital, Health, Social Care, Wellbeing and Retail. Many Access to Higher Education pathways are now available online too, giving adults convenient routes into subjects such as Biomedical Science, Computing, Engineering, Nursing, Midwifery, Psychology and Social Work.
The Green Skills offer has also been enhanced with new training in BIM, Heat Pump Systems and Rainwater Harvesting, supporting employers preparing for a low carbon future.
Explore the full offer by following the QR code:
Kickstart Your Career Teaching Construction
Have at least two years of industry experience in construction?
You could turn that knowledge into a teaching career in Further Education. As a Construction Lecturer in an FE college, you may also be eligible for an incentive payment of up to £6,000.
We deliver a wide range of Construction courses across our campuses in Castleford, Selby and Wakefield, helping shape the next generation of skilled workers.
If you are ready to pass on your experience and support the future of the sector, we would love to hear from you by getting in touch at hr.recruit@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk
“I decided I needed something to future-proof myself after working in the industry my whole career and I wanted to give something back to education. If you’re thinking of moving from industry to teaching, definitely give it a go. You learn alongside people from every kind of industry and everyone you work with has been through the same process and been successful, so there’s nothing to be fearful of.”
David Smart, Carpentry & Joinery Lecturer
Celebrate the Achievements of Your Future Workforce
We are seeking sponsors for our Apprenticeship Awards 2026, an event dedicated to recognising the exceptional achievements of our apprentices across a wide range of industries.
A sponsorship package is £600 per-award and includes:
Mention in press releases
Social media coverage
Logo featured in the event programme, presentations, and certificates
Inclusion on our sponsorship webpage
Employer plaque
Lunch at Gaskells (scheduled separately)
VIP pre-meal tour
If you are interested in sponsoring an award in your chosen field, please contact Apprenticeships Manager, Nichola Burton at nburton@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk
Become a Children’s University Learning Destination
We are always looking to partner with organisations that can inspire and engage young people - and your organisation could be the perfect fit.
Why Join Us as a Learning Destination Provider?
Becoming a Learning Destination offers a range of benefits, including:
• Supporting young people across the District by helping us deliver high-quality, enriching activities.
• Opportunities to attend exclusive events hosted at our colleges throughout the year.
Promotion of your activities both online and in our quarterly newsletter, helping you reach more families and build your profile within the community.
If you’re interested in becoming a Learning Destination, simply complete the online form using the QR code. Once submitted, a member of our team will be in touch to guide you through the validation process.
If you would like further information, please contact our Children’s University team on 01924 789746 or at childrensuniversity@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk.
EXPAND YOUR TEAM WITH A
DENTAL OR CHILDCARE APPRENTICE
Looking to strengthen your workforce and shape the next generation of talent? Our Dental Nursing and Childcare apprenticeships give you motivated learners who build real skills whilst contributing to your business from day one.
You’ll get:
• Practical support from the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group
• Training that fits around your workplace
• Apprentices who gain industry-ready skills while adding value to your team
• A cost-effective way to recruit, train and retain great people
Whether you want to develop new staff or upskill current employees, we will help you find the right apprenticeship path. Find out more at: www.heartofyorkshire.ac.uk/courses/apprenticeships
What’s new at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group
Join us During National Apprenticeship Week 2026!
During National Apprenticeship Week 2026, join us for breakfast, a brew and discussions around widening participation in apprenticeships and skills for the workforce, as well as:
+ Guest speakers
+ Networking
+ Skills and training advice
+ Collaboration opportunities
+ Training and funding streams
Wakefield Trinity
Tuesday 10th February, 2026
9:30am-11am
DIY Kitchens Stadium, Doncaster Road, Wakefield, WF1 5EY FREE PARKING
Register using the QR code.
Shape the Future of the Construction Industry
Join us at our next Construction Employer Forum, where we will discuss the skills, challenges and opportunities shaping the industry now and in the years ahead.
Wednesday 14th January
In-person or Online
In-person: 9:30am – 11:30am
Online: 10:00am – 11:00am Register using the QR code
Introducing our SkillsLink Roadshows
It was great to see our employer partners at our Skills Link Roadshows late in 2025, and we look forward to welcoming them to even more events in 2026.
Our next roadshow is on :
Tuesday 20th January at Junction 32 Outlet Shopping Castleford
Join us from 9am - 2pm!
These roadshows give employers, businesses and organisations the chance to discover how they can support the next generation and their future workforce with employability and sector-specific skills, whilst also exploring opportunities to upskill their current teams.
This forum is a chance to:
› Share the skills gaps you are seeing in your workforce
› Influence future training and curriculum development
› Connect with industry peers and local stakeholders
› Explore ways to strengthen recruitment and build your talent pipeline
Learn how the Group can support your business through training, apprenticeships and upskilling.
Your insight helps us ensure local training meets real industry needs and supports the future growth of the construction sector.
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